Maximising distance with TGM
 

Hey Yoda and Members,

Sorry I didn't know where to file this as I have quite a different request in terms of TGM...

Background:

I am a professional Long Drive competitor in Australia and my goal is to qualify for the World Long Drive Championships in October (if not 2008, then 2009). At the start of the season I had a swing speed of 117mph, after 4 months of training I am up to an average of 135mph and have a max out of 142 mph. My longest drive to date is 363 metres (403.3 yards).

Recently I aquired a copy of the little yellow bible through golf guru (thanks guru, it has changed my approach to golf!)! I have been diligently working through it. The things I find every single day because of it constantly amaze me. Although I am a little bit confused as to whether I should swing or hit?? One day I find something in my practice that is swing, the next day I am doing something that makes me hit. My biggest problem is consistency currently. So I thought I would just come to the LBG gurus and get my head screwed on! (No offence to ISG anyone, I just love the way TGM things are explained on here!)

Questions:

1. From a pure distance perspective is there a definitive (swinging or hitting) option that works best for distance maximisation?

2. What components should I really be focussing on in order to get the maximum power into my swing?

3. Any other advice, tips, drills or comments??

Any help I can get I would be most appreciated.

I apologise for the very basic nature of my post, it has taken me at least a month to summon up the courage to write anything on this site. You all have such a vast knowledge on The Golf Machine, it can be a little bit intimidating for one just starting out.

Look forward to chatting to you all soon and utilising TGM to fulfill my Long Drive goals and aspirations.

Kind Regards to all

Aussie Bomber

Aussie Bomber -- Going Long Down Under
 

Welcome aboard, Aussie Bomber, and thanks for this first post. Let's see if we can't get something going here.

For starters . . .

1. What did you do to achieve your terrific progress this year?

2. Please tell us about your equipment, particularly your driver specs and ball.

3. What are your thoughts on ball spin and launch angle?

4. Do you attempt to 'hit up' on the ball through impact? If so, do you accomplish this through ball location or axis tilt?

5. What are your goals regarding accuracy?

6. Could you provide a swing sequence for us? If so, PM Bambam, and we'll help you with the process.

:salut:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoda (Post 53548) Welcome aboard, Aussie Bomber, and thanks for this first post. Let's see if we can't get something going here.

Hey Yoda, thanks for your response, I have been watching all the videos I can in the gallery. You definitely have a passion for what you do and I find your explanations on the machine absolutely fascinating. I truly believe knowledge is power.. Okay onto the answers [Yoda questions in bold].

1. What did you do to achieve your terrific progress this year?

I would first say determination and making a decision to be the best I can absolutely be. I have commited myself to my ambitions and have actually given away playing golf to focus solely on my practice for Long Drive.

My improvement has been achieved via the following methods:

a) Strength and Conditioning: I have embarked on getting stronger and more flexible in what I believe to be the key muscles groups for golf power: Posterior Chain (Hips, Hamstrings, lower back), Core, Upper back/lats, triceps and forearms/wrists. My training focusses on speed of movement against resistance rather than maximal weight lifting.

b) Teaching my neuromuscular patterns to swing faster: This basically involves doing dry swings as fast as possible. Making the club "whoosh" as loud as possible through the impact area.

c) Relaxing my muscles as much as possible during the swing. Loose tension free muscles move faster and contract harder than ones riddled with tension.

d) Regular driver practice with a swing speed monitor. As the range I practice at is only a 311 carry to the back fence, I needed a device to tell me if I was improving or if swing changes were making a difference (positive or negative). I generally alternate sessions between speed focus and strike quality focus so I don't just become number dependant.

e) Making practice as hard as possible. ie. Using reduced flight range balls and practicing into the wind the majority of the time. I hope by doing this no matter what conditions I face in competition, I have already practiced under the hardest ones possible. That way anything less is a bonus.

2. Please tell us about your equipment, particularly your driver specs and ball.

Okay everyone uses the same ball (Pinnacle Gold Long Drive) so it is not really an issue of choice in LD.

Driver heads: I have three Bang-O-Matic 460cc drivers (5 degree, 6.5 degree, 7.5 degree). Generally try to set up one for into wind conditions, one for normal conditions and one for downwind conditions. Also the "roll" factor of the grid is taken into account, whether it is best to get distance via fly or by roll on the day. I have just been lucky enough to join All Out Golf who make the N-Forcer 460. It is a new head on the market that is producing higher energy transfers (USGA legal) and better ball speeds than regular LD equipment.

Shafts: I prefer a stiffer tipped shaft (as I generally hit the ball fairly high) and find any flexibility at the shafts bottom end results in me ballooning drives. I tend to look to set my drivers up at around 270cpms, with a swingweight somewhere around D10/E0, shaft weight is generally 70-75 grams and length currently is 48 inches vertical (approx 46.5 standard). I am working my way up to maximum LD comp length of 50" vertical (48.5" standard) but it takes a long time to get used to swinging with extra length. My shaft of choice is the House of Forged WHUP n SHAFT (manufactured by Matrix) which is the premier Long Drive shaft currently.

3. What are your thoughts on ball spin and launch angle?

Spin rate is critical!! I generally aim for less than 2800 rpm, 2500 rpm is "ideal". Minimising spin rate I find gives more penetration through the air and enables the ball to release on landing so that roll can be achieved.

Launch angle is also an important factor although I tend not to focus on it as much as I probably should. A launch in the range of 10-14 degrees seems to be optimal in terms of distance.

4. Do you attempt to 'hit up' on the ball through impact? If so, do you accomplish this through ball location or axis tilt?

I do try and catch the ball on the up. I do so by teeing high and placing it in front of my swing's low point. I also do use access tilt, but in my case I think this is more of a fault I want to address as I occasionally get caught on my right side. Kind of like a baseball home run hitter trying to launch it over the fence. Using 4" tees is contributing to this problem currently so I am going to experiment with lowering tee height to see if I can improve my mechanics.

5. What are your goals regarding accuracy?

My primary focus is getting it LONG. I would have to say accuracy is a secondary concern. My goal is probably an accuracy of 33%, 2 in 6 (LD has a 6 ball set). The LD grid is approximately 40-50 yards wide, however that being said on a drive that is travelling 350-400 yards the margin for error I am realising is still small. My philoshopy is this in terms of LD: I could fill up the grid with 330-350 yard drives and not be competitive, so I am better going for that 1 long shot that puts me in position to win. If I hit every ball long and OB, I am still in the same position as being a 100% accurate but short of the mark. I therfore take my chances and just go for that 1 in 6 long ball. I must admit it is not golf for the purists and not the way I would ideally like my golf to be going but it is the beast that is LD.

6. Could you provide a swing sequence for us? If so, PM Bambam, and we'll help you with the process.

Currently no, but I will endeavour to do something within the next week or so in order to give you all something to look at.

My current tendencies/faults I believe are:
- Not achieving FLW
- Not optimising the vertical uncocking which leads the LW to horizontal hinge. (I believe this stems from a fear of hitting down with the driver and achieving too much backspin)
- Not optimising the roll component (I watched "Are You Ready to Roll" and "Swivel" last night and my alarm bells went off!)
- Over emphasising my axis tilt in an attempt to "hit up" which leads me to poor weight transfer, often getting stuck on the right side.

My bad shots currently are:
- A big block to the right
- then a big pull hook (over compensation for the block???)

I apologise for the length of my post, I am sure you guys have better things to do than read a mini version of "War and Peace". I am extremely passionate about LD and now TGM, and it is my desire to be the best which leads to my over zealous enthusiasm at times. I feel like a someone who has been blind for so long that can now actually see the world for the first time since finding TGM.

Thanks once again for taking the time to address me, I am all ears for any help and direction I can get. I will work at getting you all a swing sequence as soon as possible.

:salut:

AB

Hey, AB, I'm a big LD fan. I've competed in a couple of locals, and hope to get back out there when circumstances allow, so I'm also looking forward to the responses you get.

BTW, don't sweat the length of your post. Get as much info as you can.

Hey Big Will, thanks for the reply. LD certainly has reinvigorated my love for Golf, TGM has definitely taken the passion to a whole new level.

Wish you the best of luck getting back into competing, certainly hope the information I can supply on what I do and consequently receive from the LBG technicians help to take your LD performance to new heights.

Hope to see you in Mesquite sometime soon.

AB

Look out the Aussies are coming:)

AB is a true seeker in the LD down here. Iseek threw him the TGM carrot and the horse is running:golf:

Thanks Guru, I owe you guys a lot and am giving my absolute all to repay the faith that guys like yourself, Darty and Bio have shown in me! My hands are aching from the hours I am putting in. 1600 ball practice week this week! Am on annual leave for a further 3.5 weeks so it is full time practice in preparation for qualifying.

Damn straight the Aussies are coming! I am so hungry! :)

One extra question that I have just thought of for everyone stems from my practice week...

What are the differences employed for driver use in comparison to irons?

This week I found pressure point 3 and pressure point 1, increased my lag and iron compression as well as playing with the different forms of loading - drag, drive and float.

My iron play went through the roof this week via my educated hands training including a distance increase in the warm wind free winter days. PB's this week were 150 metre SW and 210 metre 7 irons.

Unfortunately the skills have not translated across to my driver as yet and this made me wonder about the question above. Obviously I don't have the benefit of taking a divot with my driver and am hesitant to hit down with it in my avoidance of increased spin rates.

HELP!!! :confused1

AB

This can be a match made in heaven. Long hitting hungry Aussie and our green guy with 900 years of TGM. This could get real interesting. Look out Matilda!

UPP in wet Ohio

"Pulling" for You
 

Hi Damien,

Welcome to the site and wanted to let you know we're here to support you.
Hope you stick around so we can help you reach your goals.

Yoda knows...:)

Thanks for your support Bagger, for true golf seekers I can think of no better place to be than LBG. I will be sticking around, learning, applying and hopefully representing all who can assist me.

My philosphy is to surround myself with the best sources of information possible. Im here to do the hard work (will do whatever it takes, have already told the guys at my practice facility "they will have to bury me there before I quit!")

Get the best information possible, learn, strengthen knowledge, diligently apply the maps to success I am provided!

I look forward to the polish you guys can provide me.

Thanks again for your kind words.

:salut:

AB

Training Update
 

Hi all, have been watching the videos in the gallery...

My favourite is Yoda's "Are you ready to roll?", after watching it numerous times a light bulb went on in my thick skull!!

Took off to practice range to give my hands some education (punishment! lol)

I had been in a major funk and had lost some power this past week... was maxing out at high 120's, low 130's and hitting some big blocks!

The lesson clicked and I went to a 138mph average (141mph max out), lowered my launch angle with a very hot right to left ball flight.

Now I don't know if the next statement makes sense but at impact I could feel the ball load against the shaft and the shaft actually pushed back!! (Not very TGM in my explanations so I apologise, hopefully you guys can translate it for me?)

TGM just keeps delivering and Yoda the way you explain things is brilliant. I feel like I have proceeded to a whole new level today and for that I sincerely thank all at LBG for providing the tools.

Will hopefully get that swing video for you guys this week and you can tear it to bits ;)

AB

I know that feeling!!!! When I visualized it, I saw the shaft being bent back by the ball at impact, as if the ball were nailed to the ground and wasn't moving. I haven't had it for a while, but I remember how powerful it felt. I knew I caught it when I got that feeling. Your post are really taking me back. I can't wait to get to the range!

Fascinating to read your stuff - TGM with its emphasis on alignments rather than physics (not that it ignores the physics...just gives primacy to alignments)...some might see it as a model of golf that emphasises accuracy not power.

You obviously have the horsepower...now with alignments...should be interesting to hear how things develop!

I agree about "ready to roll"...that one statement automatically combines a straight plane line with a sequenced release...and if you uncock and roll on plane ... then you get a flat left wrist andlag pressure for free!!

Buy 1 imperative and get 2 free!! only at ol' HK's discount sale!:golf:

Would it be true to say TGM provides the basis for correct delivery of and efficiency of power?

(I have been amazed by Yoda's release power in the videos.. WHACK!)

I know I am finding it's one thing to have power but it's pointless if it is being delivered inefficiently and there are power leakages?

TGM I believe is allowing me to deliver that horsepower more efficiently and effectively into the golf ball (where I want it). More power, less effort! I know before my swing left me drained, now it is making me feel energized.

AB

Stealing Time On Father's Day and U.S. Open Sunday
 

Absolutely, Aussie.

In fact, while much has been written on this subject through the centuries -- I especially admire the individual pieces in Bobby Jones On Golf (Doubleday and Company, 1966) -- nothing can compare with the precision of The Golfing Machine. The presentation includes:

1. The supporting scientific Principles (Chapter 2);

2. The original Power Package concept and its Five-Step Sequence from Accumulation to Release (Chapter 6); and

3. The Checklist of mission-critical alignments (Chapter 12).

Throughout the journey of enlightenment, the student experiences one 'Aha!' moment after another.

I'll be here a lot in this thread, so please be patient.

Thanks!

:salut:

the focus for long drivers
 

I've had reasonable success with the long drive guys. I've had a couple of guys in the 145-150 mph range. So, I saved some important things from your quote that I like. You're doing some good things, but I'll add a little...

I was on a full scholarship for running, when I was in college. And, we knew not to train for a marathon if we were training for a mile. Long driving is a specialty, and it requires specialty training. Hours and hours of grinding out drives on the range can lead you down a slower path.

Fast twitch muscles need to be trained. You need to train at speeds that are faster than you're able to attain with your normal club. But, you also need the strength. I would say that the ideal would be to train with a club that was 15% lighter than normal and one that was 15% heavier. When you train on both sides of the weight that you use in competition, your competition speed will increase.

I would never have you max out your speed more than 8 times, without having about a 5 minute break. Hitting 100 balls without a break will not make you faster. The fast twitch muscle fibers will exhaust themselves and the slow twitch fibers will complete the task.

If you run, you should do short sprints with rest between them. If you train in a gym, you should spend time doing quick bursts with medicine balls, lighter weights, or resistance bands. When you're hitting balls, make it quality versus quantity.

If you train with the speed of a hummingbird, you'll swing with that kind of speed.

There's plenty of good info on the web. Here's just one link:

www.athleticquickness.com/page.asp?page_id=15

Thank You
 

Yoda:

No drama, understand you must be an extremely busy man.

I will get out my little yellow bible and definitely read those chapters you have directed me to!
(Am going to get out my little yellow highlighter too)

Thanks for the direction.

PS: Go the Aussies!! hahaha.. Although have spent time with Lee so would be nice to see him break through!! And of course we all love to see Tiger get it going!!

Yoda's Luke:

Couldn't agree with you more! Im sorry if my initial post was misleading...

My practice sessions are mainly composed of hitting pitches, chips and punches - concentrating on my educated hands development and impact training. I break up my training in 2-3 x hundred ball sessions. In each session Driver will only see 10-15 shots. You are exactly right must train the way you compete (and that is more like a sprinter) but with multiple rounds you must have some speed endurance also.

Besides golf (and national rep baseball) I have a power lifting background and am a qualified strength and conditioning coach in Australia. Burst training and speed of motion is critical. We swing an implement that weighs 400grams and a relative weight of an equivalency of 11 pounds maximum. Maximal strength training does not translate into speed motion. So I couldn't agree more!

Interestingly some of the elite power lifters (all over 300lbs) I have trained with are very fast sprinters... over 30 yards! ;)

IMHO Neuromuscular development is maybe the most crucial factor in speed development.

Thanks for your post, I will definitely implement your suggestions. It is nice to have some confirmation that on the whole I am on the right track in regards to correct development.

AB

Power Talk
 

I just sent this now 'not-so-private' PM to Aussie Bomber:

C' mon, guys: Weigh in with your thoughts. There is the Mechanics of Power (Chapter 6); Body Power (Rotor Power/Swingers or Launching Pad/Hitters per 2-M-4); and also, strength (the sparsely populated 2-M-3 / Muscles).

Obviously, Aussie is doing the right things right. Otherwise, he could not achieve his prodigious distances. What can he do to ascend to his next level . . . a level none of us and, in fact, few in golf's history, have ever achieved? Don't be shy. Remember: Homer Kelley, golf's ultimate mechanic, never claimed a club championship, much less a long drive championship.

Let's get this thread humming!

:golf:

Swing Video
 

Thanks Yoda for your post.

I will assist everyone by providing a link to the swing video I took this week. Unfortunately I could only get a front on view as the weather here has been woeful and the down the line image did not work as the day I was filming was stormy!!

I will rectify this in the coming weeks!

I am personally unhappy with the "look" of the swing on video. Yes it is effective in producing speed and distance, but I feel I am nowhere near functioning at full capacity and would value everyone's insight into imporving this.

Here is the link:

http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/2941690/8414783

Much thanks in advance.

AB
:salut:

AB - thanks for posting your swing. What is it that you don't like about your swing?

My comments - taken as they should be - with a healthy dose of scepticism!

You are a swinger, really big rotor, so foreget about right triceps power. Ignore 4 barrel swinging until a few more TGM concepts are ingrained in your swing.

You have a few features that are different to Tiger but are arguably "intersting/helpful" for distance swingers. eg. head movement, bent left arm.

Head moves alot in the backswing but re-centres with your weight transfer in transition... some say TGM centred head is great for accuracy but less good for distance...almost all long hitters have a near-stationary head through release and impact...that bit is crucial...so it begs the question....is there a dynamic power reason to sacrifice stationary head in the rest of the swing ?...to get extra distance....i don't know the answer...

Bent left arm is something Jorgensen tinkered with in his book and suggested it can lead to extra distance...like Vardon...

I imagine that "people" may talk about weight shift...ball position ...driver loft...low point....extensor action...what are your thoughts on these topics? I would be slightly worried that incorporating all of these may inhibit your dynamic motion and give short term negative results...so you need really good advice...incorporating all of TGM into your motion is move away from the LD herd and what they do, trying something radically different...

Do you use low loft driver because you hit on the upswing....do you hit on the upswing because you use low loft driver? Do you fall back at mpact and follow through because you aim to hit so much on the upswing?

CHicken or egg...low loft MAKES you swing up...makes you fall back....

or

You have always swayed back at impact... so the only way you can get the ball on good trajectory is to use low loft..

If you moved to a 9 degree driver...how would you have to swing in order to get the same result as you get now - i suspect almost have to swing level at impact and not upwards...more TGM style swing rather than LD.

What is the best distance launch angle for a guy with your speed? that is probably the place to start...then work backwards from there...say it is 11-12 degrees at 130+mph... how can you get that launch angle... is it to swing on upswing with 6 degree driver...or swing at low point (level) with more loft....?? I don't know the answer but that is the way to solve the problem IMO... launching on upswing...does that keep your ball spin down? that is the other key factor? If guys know this stuff then that is cornestone to build your machine around.

Would you sacrifice clubhead speed at impact by swinging level rather than on the upswing? have you measured your clubhead speed at low point left shoulder...versus your clubhead speed at you current ball teed up height?

Homer said that if you hit on the upswing in a centred/uncompensated stroke then you are also hitting with a clubface that is closed beyond square and closing still further...so you need compensations... is your clubhead open at address or do you hold off on forearm rotation (accumultor 3)....??

see what the others have to say... but if you want to build a LDGM (Long Drive Golfing Machine) then you are going to have to select the right components....strip away the faulty ones and bolt on the right ones...but keep that massive rotor...that is literally your core! There are only 24 components...shouldn't take more than a week or two!!

Aussie Bomber Sequence
 

Here's a sequence to better evaluate AB's swing...couldn't capture any more frames from startdown to impact...it happens so fast.:)

Tendon Pull
 

1-F ...The Right Arm can contribute Hand Acceleration to the Downstroke and support all elements of "Resistance to Deceleration".

Based on your swing video, I think you probably have plenty of Hand Acceleration.

Study 2-K and beef up those golf muscles and supporting tendons through fast twitch/explosive exercises and supplements if needed. Take the time to pay close attention to each muscle group involved in your swing from the Inner Quads, Hip Flexors, Glutes, to the Abs, Intercostals, Teres Minor and Major, Lats, Romboids, Triceps, forearms, etc. Concentrate on "tendon pull" but not to the extent you injure yourself.

Make it a point to isolate the feel of each active golf muscle in your swing, then work on strengthing, stretching, and feeding them to maximize their strength and flexibility - Especially the tendons to avoid injury, because they take more time to strengthen than muscle. As you practice, focus on one muscle group at a time and learn its function. Then work the heck out of it.

You are already doing this, so I'm preaching to the choir but other folks seeking distance would benefit.

2-K "Muscle Tendons pulling the Body, the Arms, and/or the Wrists around their centers."

To maximize Pivot Lag, allow the muscles and tendons to stretch and then pull the skeletal system via the tendons from the ground up, through each swing center to your hands. As one muscle group in the chain activates and pulls its succeeding swing center, you'll feel like you are leaving the clubhead at the top. Once you've reached your release point deep into the swing, do what you need to do with your hands to pull through impact.

Maximum Distance is achieved via Accumulator Lag through each swing center with a late release of each firing successively as 4,1,2,3. You have many key components snapping in line, but some accumulators appear to be released early such as #4 and #2, but its hard to tell from the video.

#4 is your Master Accumulator and its essence is pivot lag. Since your procedure is swinging, I think you would benefit from a lot of focus on pivot lag.

Clubhead Lag is a passive feel to your system. As you work on Pivot and Accumulator Lag all you have to do is make sure you don't turn passive clubhead lag feel into an active (driving) feel which quickly turns into throw away.

My 2 cents

WOW Thank you guys!
 

Okay lots of great information here, thank you for taking the time for providing it. As is my style I will reply to everyone, so brace yourselves this could be a long post!! ;)

Golfbulldog

Thanks for your great kick off post, you have certainly raised some great stuff.

What don't I like about my swing?

The things that I took out of seeing the video was:

- The pause at the top, I think my rhythm, timing and power could improve if I transitioned smoothly and allowed the motion to be free flowing rather than stop/start.
- I will be interested in people's take on the "bent left arm". I personally feel I am robbing myself of extensor action and by shortening my swing radius I am short changing myself on the power that I could have.
- Falling backwards: This is a tough one, I have a feeling that my left foot is driving "back" rather than "down". I also think that I am not making use of my full 210 lb frame by having it "going away" rather than "coming through".
- Stance width is possibly a little too wide resulting in lateral motion rather than a full rotary motion.

I am my own toughest critic and expect a lot from myself. Until I am at the top I won't be satisfied!

Optimal launch angles for LDers are 10-14 deg, low loft and hitting up comes from the theory of lowering spin rates below 2800 rpm. It has been found through LM testing that a ball with a spin rate of below 2800 will release to its maximum on landing. Less backspin, lower launch = more run.

I look forward to hearing the answers to the questions you have posted, thank you for your detailed contribution it is much appreciated.

HG:

Thanks for putting it into pics for me, no doubt it will be of great assistance to analysing my swing. Greatly appreciated. ;)

Bagger Lance:

Thanks for your post, I couldn't agree more. I have actually been fortunate enough to be given access to a new fitness tool that has great applications for physical golf development. I will be certainly focussing on getting faster, more "elastic" and stronger to assist with my development.

Even though I am doing it, things can always be more optimal so having your contribution puts it in concrete for me! Thank you.

Developing Pivot Lag is definitely a concept I want to become more efficient in, I totally agree that aspects are releasing earlier than I would like. Are there any drills you could recommend?

I will read 2K again today and start applying what I can this week. Thank you once again for your contribution.

Long Drive Models
 

Hey guys I don't know how many of you are familiar with Long Drive so I thought I would give you some examples of the Long Drivers I admire and aspire towards.

1. Jason Zuback

Golf Zilla is the 5 time world long drive champion. He is a very powerful man and has been a dominant force in Long Drive for many years. Whilst I think his swing is one of a kind, I think there are many possible things I could learn in technique.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xBy8PVjes

2. Mike Dobbyn

Current World Champion. Mike is huge... 6"8, 300lbs but has a very classic and efficient golf swing. He holds the longest recorded drive in the world.. 551 yards!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_4W8Z1m-lU

3. Jamie Sadlowski

20 years old. 6'1, 180lbs. Jamie is not a big guy but man can he get it out there! 2 time World Junior Champion and 3rd in his first year in the open, Jamie is touted as the future of Long Drive. He is hitting great form currently with a reported ball speed of 217 mph in the recent Desert Duel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdjhA2_AYpY

Would appreciate "expert eyes" taking a look at these.

:salut:
AB

ab
 

impact sounds great... mike d. has great footwork for a big man..your pause at the top isn't bad but you will find that with the added structure it will get harder to do that and maintain a fluid ,powerfull move through impact..pause isn't bad as long as you keep moving:golfcart:

Couldn't agree more!
 

Thanks SD, I am in totally agreement with your comments, there must be continuous motion occuring somewhere. This creates flow and momentum. I am currently working on this in my training this week.

Thanks a lot for your input!

:salut:
AB

Worth noting that less loft and hitting on the upswing will also make for a more efficient transfer of power from clubhead to ball than a level swing with more loft...I think Wishon has proven that out, not 100% on who it was though.

could someone comment on aussies comment about his left leg pushing back rather then down. Could this be his way of resisting the tremendous downwards force he creates from release?

left arm
 

It's hard to tell from the photos if you're doing this already but using the extra high tees it's easy to overlook measuring out your radius to the ball and instead simply have the club just above the ground and behind the ball rather than inside the ball as it would correctly be for the high tee position. If this is the case then you would have to shorten your radius to make a good strike and possibly through bending the left arm. However, if you hover the club at the height of the ball then this means nothing!

Interesting
 

Hey guys thanks a lot for the posts and things to consider.

Toolish:

That's very interesting would love to know where to read about that if you can tell me? To date have just had to go on the conventional wisdom of Long Drive with the lowering of the spin rate theory.

Powerdraw:

I would also be interested in people's comments. It is a throw back from other sports I have played mainly baseball/fastpitch softball where the lead leg was planted and pushed back so the rest of the body could accelerate over it. It is obviously causing some energy leakage being that I am 220lb and the body must be using a certain portion of the kinetic energy in the system to throw this backwards.

Am currently working on my foot and knee anchoring or "leg posting" as I term it in an attempt to correct and solve this issue so that more energy is transferred through the ball.

Mrose:

This is an interesting debate. I know Homer and the TGM gang preach extensor action and maintaining swing radius. I know that I have an elbow bend at the top of my backswing, I have tried and tried to eliminate it but I just cant seem to do it. In the search for power my body just wants to bend it. If I don't bend it I dont seem to cock my wrists as much. I spoke to a biomechanics expert on this topic and I was told that as long as it straightens on the downswing and is as maximum radius at impact their is no issue. It is an interesting debate and one that I encourage people to post on.

HK's focus (correct me if I am wrong) is on maximal loading of the club on the backswing and creating and sustaining lag on the downswing. I feel that this move enables me personally to load the club more efficiently and create greater lag in the downswing. Yeah it doesn't look pretty I agree, but in what I am competiting in there are no points for style - only distance! The only thing the ball knows is impact is it not?

Thanks for the post, definitely interesting!

:salut:

Aussie,

in your Mrose reply you speak of 'the only thing the ball knows is impact' i agree indeed.

But, doesnt everthing before impact centralize all efforts and alignments to be inline with the desired impact? i would think so.

TGM is all about maximising effort-physics and correct alignments to get out what you put in. So if the before hand of impact (adress, top, release) is vague, then the impact is not maximised.

I am far from a worthy informer, but i would not spend too much time on the slightly bent left elbow if you are comfortable wiht it, as long as the plane is respected.

Any chance we can get a down the line view?

Any chance we can get a higher speed quality of your swing? you are too darn fast!

Valid points
 

Truly truly valid points powerdraw. And no doubt what you say is correct. I can certainly see both sides of the equation.

Currently time is not on my side for this season with our tour starting in 4 weeks and the worlds being about 3 months away. I am considering putting major swing changes onto my to do list for next season which I will start preparation for in November. Maximising Extensor action is certainly on the top of that list!! :)

I am kind of at the crossroads. Do I continue to tinker or do I say well let's maximise what we have now and focus on technical changes after this year's dance is done?

My swing has never had as much speed and power and I owe TGM a lot of this improvement. I am sure I will have some better competition videos for you to view soon. But it may be a little bit harder to view as I am currently posting 140's. Will see what I can do!

:salut:

Hi A_B,

Haha…we meet at LBG this time…I found something that you might love to watch…one of your idol, Jason Zuback, talking about long drive training.

Here you go.

Here is what wishon has to say about hitting on the upswing

http://www.clubmate-golf.com.au/News...of-attack.html

KOC:

haha yes I am popping up everywhere in my seeking! ;)

Did you supply the link there? As I can't find what to click! Would love to see it though!

Toolish:

Thanks mate, I will read it now and let you know what I digest.

A_B,

I did put the link! In the last post, place your mouse on the word "Here"...ok, make it easy: http://www.mytpi.com/mytpi05/Swing/article.asp?id=653

Hahaha I didn't see it there, sorry KOC. Mate that was brilliant!! Thank you for sharing that, some great information.. Will watch that a number of times I think.

Didn't really give away to many secrets though did he! ;)